When it comes to cooking with pears, Bosc pears are a popular choice due to their unique shape and sweet-tart flavor. With their distinctive brown skin and creamy white flesh, they add a touch of elegance to any dish. From savory salads to sweet treats, Bosc pears can be used in a variety of recipes to bring a burst of flavor and texture. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing snack or a decadent dessert, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 17 delicious Bosc pear recipes. In this article, we’ll explore the many ways you can use Bosc pears in your cooking and baking, from classic pairings to innovative twists.
Bosc Pear and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Walnuts
A sweet and savory salad that combines the richness of gorgonzola cheese, the crispness of Bosc pears, and the crunch of candied walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe Bosc pears, peeled, halved, and sliced
– 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh arugula
– 1/4 cup candied walnuts (see note)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced pears, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, and chopped arugula.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the pear mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle candied walnuts on top of the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (depending on the preparation of candied walnuts)
Note: To make candied walnuts, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss 1/4 cup chopped walnuts with 1 tbsp honey and 1 tsp water. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes or until caramelized.
Roasted Bosc Pears with Honey and Cinnamon
Roasted Bosc Pears with Honey and Cinnamon
A sweet and savory dessert that brings out the natural sweetness of Bosc pears, perfectly balanced by the warmth of honey and cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 Bosc pears, ripe but firm
– 2 tbsp pure honey
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the pears in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
3. In a small bowl, mix together honey and cinnamon.
4. Place the pear halves cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the honey-cinnamon mixture evenly over each pear half.
6. Add 1-2 tbsp of water to the baking sheet to create steam and enhance caramelization.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bosc Pear and Ginger Smoothie
A refreshing and healthy smoothie that combines the sweetness of Bosc pears with the warmth of ginger, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe Bosc pears
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Peel and core the pears, then chop them into small pieces.
2. Grate the ginger using a box grater or microplane.
3. In a blender, combine the pear chunks, grated ginger, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and honey.
4. Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy.
5. Add ice cubes if you want a thicker consistency.
6. Blend again until the ice is crushed and the smoothie is the desired thickness.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Baked Bosc Pears with Vanilla and Almonds
A sweet and elegant dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of Bosc pears, paired with the warmth of vanilla and crunch of almonds. Perfect for a cozy evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 Bosc pears
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel the pears and place them in a baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pears.
5. Dot the top of each pear with softened butter.
6. Pour heavy cream and vanilla extract into the baking dish.
7. Top with sliced almonds.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the pears are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Bosc Pear and Apple Crisp
This sweet and tangy crisp combines the flavors of Bosc pears, apples, and a hint of cinnamon for a delicious dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 Bosc pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
– 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced pears and apples.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add the dry mixture to the fruit mixture; toss until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
5. Pour the fruit mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish. Top with the oat mixture, spreading evenly.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Bosc Pear and Prosciutto Flatbread
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of this elegant flatbread, featuring caramelized Bosc pears and crispy prosciutto. Perfect for a quick and impressive appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 Bosc pears, peeled and sliced
– 6 slices prosciutto, chopped
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix together honey and olive oil. Brush mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Arrange pear slices on one half of the pastry, leaving a small border around them.
5. Top pears with chopped prosciutto.
6. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or a rectangle shape. Press edges to seal.
7. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Caramelized Bosc Pear and Onion Tart
This sweet and savory tart combines the natural sweetness of caramelized Bosc pears with the depth of flavor from sautéed onions, all on a flaky pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 large Bosc pears, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch thick wedges
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place on prepared baking sheet.
3. In a large skillet, cook onions over medium heat until caramelized, stirring occasionally. Add butter and honey; stir to combine.
4. Arrange pear slices on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Top with caramelized onion mixture.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing edges to seal. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Garnish with thyme leaves, if desired.
Bosc Pear and Walnut Muffins
These moist and flavorful muffins combine the sweetness of Bosc pears with the earthiness of walnuts, perfect for a breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 ripe Bosc pear, diced
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, Greek yogurt, and diced pear.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in chopped walnuts.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Bosc Pear and Brie Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this sweet and savory Bosc Pear and Brie Grilled Cheese recipe!
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of artisanal bread (such as brioche or challah)
– 1 ripe Bosc pear, sliced
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup of brie cheese, crumbled
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, on the griddle.
4. Top with a few slices of Bosc pear, a sprinkle of brie cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
8. Serve immediately and garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per side
Bosc Pear and Arugula Pizza
Experience the perfect combination of sweet and savory with this unique pizza recipe featuring Bosc pears and peppery arugula.
Ingredients:
– 1 pre-baked pizza crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 ripe Bosc pear, sliced
– 4 cups arugula
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Spread the arugula on the pizza crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the arugula, then sprinkle with minced garlic.
4. Arrange the sliced Bosc pear on top of the arugula mixture.
5. Sprinkle shaved Parmesan cheese over the pear slices.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bosc Pear and Cranberry Chutney
A sweet and tangy condiment perfect for accompanying cheeses, charcuterie, or as a topping for crackers or bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 Bosc pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine chopped pears, cranberries, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chutney has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
3. Remove from heat and season with salt to taste.
4. Let cool before transferring to an airtight container and refrigerating for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bosc Pear and Cardamom Cake
Elevate your baking game with this unique and aromatic cake, featuring the sweet and buttery flavors of Bosc pears and the warm spices of cardamom.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (120g) diced Bosc pears
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, butter, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
3. Fold in diced pears and ground cardamom.
4. Pour in milk and mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Bosc Pear and Bacon Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the tender flesh of Bosc pears, crispy bacon, and a hint of thyme.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 ripe Bosc pears, diced
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1/4 cup of fresh thyme leaves
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together diced pears, crumbled bacon, thyme, and garlic.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the pear-bacon mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bosc Pear and Rosemary Focaccia
Elevate your snack game with this sweet and savory focaccia, infused with the subtle flavors of Bosc pears and rosemary. Perfect for a quick lunch or as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 ripe Bosc pear, diced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and garlic to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down the dough and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Top the dough with diced pear, chopped rosemary, and drizzle with honey.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Bosc Pear and Dark Chocolate Tart
This elegant tart combines the sweetness of Bosc pears with the richness of dark chocolate, perfect for a special occasion or dessert party.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 Bosc pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Arrange pear slices on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
4. Drizzle sugar over pears, then sprinkle dark chocolate chips on top.
5. Fold other half of pastry over filling, pressing edges to seal.
6. Brush with melted butter and drizzle with honey.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Bosc Pear and Thyme Infused Vodka Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with the sweet and savory flavors of Bosc pears and thyme, perfectly balanced in this unique infused vodka recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle (750ml) of high-quality vodka
– 2-3 ripe Bosc pears, sliced into thin wedges
– 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves
– 1 tablespoon of honey syrup (equal parts water and honey, dissolved)
– Club soda
– Lime wheel (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine sliced pears and thyme leaves.
2. Pour vodka over the pear mixture, ensuring all ingredients are fully submerged.
3. Store in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
4. Strain infused vodka through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard solids.
5. Mix 1-2 ounces of infused vodka with honey syrup and top with club soda.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (simply infuse and strain)
Enjoy your refreshing Bosc Pear and Thyme Infused Vodka Cocktail!
Bosc Pear and Hazelnut Butter Toast
This recipe combines the sweet, buttery flavor of Bosc pears with the rich, nutty taste of hazelnut butter for a delicious and satisfying snack. Perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices whole grain bread
– 1 ripe Bosc pear, sliced into thin wedges
– 2 tbsp hazelnut butter
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Spread 1-2 tbsp of hazelnut butter on each slice.
3. Arrange a few slices of Bosc pear on top of the butter.
4. Sprinkle with salt to balance the flavors.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Summary
Discover the sweet and savory world of Bosc pears with these 17 delicious recipes! From salads to smoothies, baked goods to pizzas, and even cocktails, there’s something for everyone. Try pairing Bosc pears with gorgonzola and candied walnuts in a salad, or roasting them with honey and cinnamon for a sweet treat. Or, blend pears with ginger and milk for a refreshing smoothie. And don’t miss the savory options like pear and prosciutto flatbread or pear and brie grilled cheese. With so many creative ways to enjoy Bosc pears, you’ll be spoiled for choice!
